Watch, Listen, Read: The 6th Joint Budget Listening Session - Wednesday, March 19

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 6th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the sixth of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3yEVAe0NHU 

** Listen

audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1404-joint-budget-listening-session-6-03-12-25/

** Read 

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.  PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHnwgdsqQ-HtVC0RC_bgGQy2vUz34mdX/view?usp=drive_link

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Listening Session #6 agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03122025-1620

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

You can find the collection of video, audio, and transcripts for ALL the Listening Sessions here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html 

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3

Voices of Franklin: O'Sullivan - Why I voted 'No' Wednesday night

As a result of the 9-1 vote to recommend the override amount, I was curious as to why the no vote was cast. My email query went to Ruthann and this is her response:

In response to your question about why I voted no at the meeting last night, I really appreciate you following up so that nobody misunderstands my intent. 

To be clear, I am absolutely going to support this $3.9M override should the Town Council move forward. I believe another failed override will devastate our school district beyond repair. 

If not for the tremendous work of Superintendent Giguere and his team redistricting the entire school system, closing down schools, and consolidating resources, our district would be in absolute disarray. 

The reason I voted no, is because I'm concerned about the ability to pass additional overrides in the near future. There is an agreement among the committees in town that small future overrides are going to be necessary. In fact, in the Town Administrator's fiscal forecast, the town could be looking at a deficit as early as 2027. There are some unknown variables, and we can hope this will not be the case. However, this potential creates much angst among not just parents, but the teachers in our district who have endured consistent layoffs for the last decade. 

I am also concerned that if we do need to patch a gap in the town's budget through another override, it will likely be the responsibility of the School Committee and district to request and campaign for this need alone. Historically, when an override election takes place solely for our school district, it has failed. Notably, this is because parents tend to be underrepresented in local elections. 

As stated at the JBSC meeting last night, we have the ability to draft a question for the election that would present more than one option to the residents to vote on. One being level service, and one being "levels service plus" which could include an additional amount that would provide increased stability to the district. Our Superintendent has five new schools to get up and running this fall. And although the basic infrastructure remains the same, each of these five schools have new principals, teaching staff, students, bus routes, schedules, and so on. 

This is a massive undertaking, and parents want to ensure our educators have the support to execute this without unnecessary obstacles. Providing a "stabilization account" so to speak, for the school department and/or the town, would allow our leadership team to stay focused on the tasks at hand, and eliminate concerns around potential disruptions, or unforeseen events that could interfere with a smooth transition. 

I also firmly disagree that our governing body must predict what a "passable" override should be. Instead, I feel that giving the voters a choice would be the more democratic way to propose this question to the town. This idea is not novel, and I do not agree that voters will be too confused, and that confusion could result in a failed override. 

In summary, I am one-hundred percent in support of solving this structural deficit.

I will campaign my heart out, side by side with the One Franklin Committee as they educate our residents around the importance of investing and preserving our amazing community and those that serve it. 

Thanks for reaching out, I'll see you on the campaign trail!

Best,

Ruthann O'Sullivan

Franklin School Committee

Member Joint Budget Sucommittee

Guidelines for your submission

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Joint Budget Listening Session

Watch, Listen, Read: The 5th Joint Budget Listening Session - Saturday, March 8

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 5th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the fifth of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LlUDdpZqkNg?t=13s

** Listen

audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1400-joint-budget-subcmte-listening-session-5-03-08-25/

** Read 

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.  PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z1SxqeiATwyuoUB8oiIn2dXPei-z_JlW/view?usp=drive_link

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The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

Watch, Listen, Read: The 5th Joint Budget Listening Session - Saturday, March 8

Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Listening Session #4 - 03/04/25

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 4th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the fourth of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCbOgOSGCAI 

** Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1393-joint-budget-listening-session-4-03-04-25/  

** Read 

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.  PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p--f1IFeDVCerj94dprC1nLinoGqMreR/view?usp=drive_link

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The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #3 at Franklin Senior Center - 02/19/25

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 3rd of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the third of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/HWM25y_m2Bk?&t=552 

** Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1387-joint-budget-listening-session-3-02-19-25/

** Read

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.

PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E47i3-VB8czSpbt_Ovx8o5omlcmzwQiB/view?usp=drive_link

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The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

The agenda packet includes:

a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 

b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 

c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 

d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant

3rd of 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held, more questions & answers

NYTimes.com: A Democrat Who Is Thinking Differently (Listen, Read)

From The New York Times:

A Democrat Who Is Thinking Differently (Listen, Read)

A Democrat Who Is Thinking Differently

Representative Jake Auchincloss discusses how the Democratic Party can offer meaningful alternatives to voters.

Continue to read the article via this "gift" link ->    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-jake-auchincloss.html?smid=em-share

You can read the article using the Franklin Library subscription to the NY Times. Follow these steps to do that ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

The article is an edited transcript of an hour long conversation by Ezra Klien and Congressman Jake Auchincloss. You can listen to the podcast episode here ->

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-democrat-who-is-thinking-differently/id1548604447?i=1000693395402

Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #2 at Remington-Jefferson - 02/12/25

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 2nd of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the second of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/UWOc6uLkOO0?&t=356

** Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1385-joint-budget-listening-session-2-02-12-25/

** Read

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.

PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QMMpyNfiop56EkwuKaGQumpJKpc7-dXQ/view?usp=drive_link

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The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

The agenda packet includes:

a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 

b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 

c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 

d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant

My notes in a PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ZqQ_mjYRrkcoszx1YVW-JVq4o9CSz1V/view?usp=drive_link

Listening Session #2 at Remington-Jefferson - 02/12/25

Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #1 at the Elks Lodge - 01/30/25

This post combines the video, audio, and transcript from this important session. 

This is the first of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

Watch

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWIm5bsscs0

Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1368-joint-budget-subcmte-listening-session-1-01-30-25/

Read

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.

PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i1Lz-iGzm_5QJk7T_xLVKt8qL9BPdAOk/view?usp=drive_link

First session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour

The agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01302025-1536 

The agenda packet includes:

a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 

b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 

c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 

d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWIm5bsscs0

My full set of notes in one PDF ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DK7FArRJNsgwnwdXSehJtDtQRbleA0x8/view?usp=drive_link 

The week that was in Franklin (photo essay)

Catching up to share photos from the week that was.

Sunday, June 9 was the world premiere of the chamber opera "Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter." You can listen to the interview with Composer Jon Ceander Mitchell and Conductor Luis Viquez here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/jon-and-luis-talk-about-chamber-opera.html

Conductor Luis Viquez leads the chamber group and chorus

cast of Mary Anning performing

Monday, June 10,  more than 100 teachers, students and supporters stood out along RT 140 from Jersey's Mike to Honey Dew to attract attention to the override vote on Tuesday.

supporters along RT 140 - 1

supporters along RT 140 - 2

On Tuesday, June 11 the election held at Franklin High School the largest turnout for an override vote with 45% casting their votes. The No position narrowly won by 236 votes. The only successful override (in 2007) passed because the entire support among Town and School folks were united. There was sufficient discord and misinformation shared to create the result this time.

more teachers at FHS on Tuesday

A bright spot on Tuesday was the brief and fun celebration of the Traveling School of Fish at the Sculpture Park. Artist Amy Adams coordinated the efforts of students at Parmenter to paint fish shaped by students at Tri-County funded by a Cultural District grant. Jamele Adams hosted the festivities at the Sculpture Park.

stop by the Sculpture Park (on Panther Way) to see the display

Jamele (light blue in center) hosted the fun

Wednesday, June 12 began with the Fallen Hero Recognition on the Town Common Veteran Walkway. This one honored Lloyd Ellis who was killed during the fighting after the D-Day landing in France during World War II. Keeping his memory alive helps. 

Fallen Hero Recognition for Lloyd Ellis

The day also saw many conversation on and about the results and other business in Franklin at the monthly Q&A at the Senior Center. The night meeting schedule changed during the day as the Master Plan Update Cmte (which didn't seem ready at their meeting last week) rescheduled their public hearing for June 26 and then again to July 10. The School Committee which had scheduled a meeting on Wednesday also canceled their meeting, keeping their regularly scheduled session for June 18.

Thursday, June 13 also saw more conversation around Cultural events and planning for them as the Cultural District committee included Cultural District partners for their meeting. A good time to walk and enjoy the good weather and clear skies.

night time at the Senior Center flag pole

Friday, June 14, Flag Day. It was grandson sitting day so I missed the recognition event for Sgt Timothy Hayes in the morning but did get out to visit the Farmers Market. Bread, honey, coffee and many conversations in the brief visit before heading back to grandson time. The Farmers Market is a happening place on Friday's and will be more so June 28 and following as Concerts on the Common expands the activities past the market close at 6 PM. Stay tuned for the schedule of events as they happen.

Farmers Market regular vendor listing

Saturday, June 15 had some schedule changes for me as the grandson stayed overnight. Members of the LGBTQ Alliance and supporters planted mini flags on the Town Common. The Rise Up group had a successful info session with State Rep Jeff Roy at the Franklin United Methodist Church. And on the New England sports front, the Red Sox topped the Yankees, and the Revolution won their 3rd game in a row.

LGBTQ Alliance and supporters planted mini flags on the Town Common

There is a full slate of events scheduled for the week ahead. Subscribe for the daily newsletter that gives you all that matters here in Franklin MA. Your source for what you can watch, listen to, or read about Franklin.

The week that was in Franklin (photo essay)